News for the Heart of the Catskills

NEW YORK STATE (November 1, 2015) – Governor Cuomo recently announced the signing of the Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable Act, which will require that hospitals allow patients to formally designate a caregiver before they leave the hospital, or are transferred to another facility. It will also require hospital workers to provide the caregiver with instruction or training on how to perform tasks for the patient at home, such as changing bandages or administering medication.

“Often, the hardest part of recovery begins once a patient leaves a hospital,” Governor Cuomo said. “This new law will allow New Yorkers to appoint someone they trust to assist in their care and help them return to their daily lives. I thank Senator Hannon and Assemblymember Rosenthal for their diligent work on this important issue. ”

The bill (S.676B/A.1323B), which was signed late Monday, requires hospitals to record the name, phone number and address of the caregiver in the patient’s medical record. The hospital must then notify the caregiver of the patient’s upcoming discharge at least 24 hours in advance and offer instruction in all after-care tasks, which will be designated in the patient’s discharge plan.

Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP in New York State, said, “This is a great day for family caregivers across New York, and AARP is very thankful to Governor Cuomo for making a real and positive difference in the lives of millions – whether they be those providing care to family members and loved ones at home or those receiving the care. Information is power, and the CARE Act will empower millions of family caregivers.